Types of bike

There is a wide variety of bikes out there. Many of them are suitable for day-to-day cycling – and others can be accessorised to make them more useful. Here’s a quick guide to the types of bike. Click the links for more.

City bike

The city bike, also known as the Dutch bike, is designed to give an upright riding posture, to carry luggage and to require very little maintenance. Supplied with mudguards, pannier racks and dynamo lighting. Suitable only for short distances. Hard work uphill. Read more.

Hybrid

The hybrid is designed to be comfortable for short to medium length journeys on roads and paths and is capable of carrying some luggage. Read more.

Touring bike

The touring bike is designed to be comfortable over long distances and to carry a relatively large amount of cycle luggage. It is suitable for riding on roads or paths. Read more.

Road bike

The road bike is designed to make efficient use of the rider’s energy, by having a stiff frame and being lightweight. Modern road bikes are not designed for carrying panniers and fitting mudguards can be tricky on some models. Read more.

Mountain bike

The mountain bike is designed for off-road cycling but can be useful on road as a ‘bad weather bike’. A bike without suspension is more practical for day-to-day transport because it can take full mudguards and a rack. Read more.

Folding bike

The folding bike is designed to take up little space when it is folded, so it can be transported easily in a train or car. It may not be suited to long distance rides. Read more.

Small-wheel bike

The small-wheel bike is useful for carrying bulky items short distances. It is easy to manoeuvre, meaning it is good for negotiating very busy traffic. It may not be suited to long distances or hills. Read more.